WarmFriendlyTraditionalConservativeDutifulNurturingOutgoingSociableCaringOrganizedPracticalLoyalNaturally talented at working with others

"The Hostess with
the Mostest" is the female ESFJ; the "Family Man" is the male ESFJ.
These are generous givers of time, talent and wealth - expending all for
family, desiring that family celebrations and customs be maintained through
the generations.

These, too, are the original "rescue the perishing" people, thinking
that if enough time, enough energy and caring is given, anyone can be "saved".
They trust their ability to persuade and will act upon their beliefs that
they can, indeed, persuade to "do better". They can handle
multiple projects with ease and, as their ESTJ compatriots, do not mind
interruptions when need comes calling - as sure as the sun rises, the need
will come calling at the ESFJ door.

There is a "mother hen" quality about the ESFJ, nurturing, shepherding
and - may it be said in truth - MANAGING. ESFJs can, indeed, be said
to attempt to manage what they cannot persuade. They are SJs, after
all, which means, of course, that they like to organize - people as well
as things.

They appear to be tireless in serving, as though they "owe" it and
they do it with a relish and a tireless and true spirit of altruism that
serves as a model for other types. These are not the grudging, complaining
spirits. These are generous spirits. I heard it said of one
of these: "I didn't know such people as you existed anymore."

Their feelings can be easily hurt - particularly if they feel they
are unappreciated - and they will find an ear in which to unload and, if
one is available, a shoulder to cry on. If burdened enough,
they can become emotionally unstable. They truly are generous and
giving, but they - as do all caretakers - need moral support and a generous
heaping of stroking.

They enjoy a bounteous table and are always willing to "set another
place", seemingly always to have plenty on hand - whether from a well-stocked
freezer or a ready pot filled with more than the household could eat in
one sitting. They enjoy the creature comforts that make life zesty
and do not relish feeling or being impoverished. They enjoy owning
this world's goods but enjoy sharing their bountifulness with others.
If not with others and for others, what would life be, they feel.
They are, however, not to be taken for suckers. They will
definitely not be used, unless they decide this is best short-term
for the long-term gain of their agenda.

ESFJs are so facilitating that there is something which catches others
off-guard: ESFJs WILL - I repeat - WILL let you know if they are
rubbed the wrong way or if they perceive you to be derelict in one of their
"SHOULD HAVE DONES" [well, after all they ARE SJs, the natural "should"
types!] So here is this dilemma: certainly everyone enjoys
a well-prepared meal, lovely surroundings, lots of laughter and plenty
of people; BUT if a lecture comes with it...well, there may be some trepidation,
some hesitancy about joining the party. ESFJs can do some
serious confronting!

This may be forgiven if all could realize that ESFJs put themselves
through the "wringer", too, as they seek to resolve inner conflict
- painful for them because they like harmony [within and without] and,
perforce, will wrestle all, themselves included, in order to achieve that
elusive state. "We WILL have peace, we WILL have fun, we WILL all
enjoy ourselves if we ALL just WORK at it!!" Conflict and disharmony
are painful things for ESFJs. They like to be liked and they like
to like and they really do want everyone else to like each other, too.
They are so warmed when they can sit back and watch everyone - and I do
mean EVERYONE [they are vigilantly watching to see who ISN'T enjoying themselves
and will then make it the present mission to see if that can be turned
around, hopefully IMMEDIATELY] - laughing and talking and eating and enjoying
pleasantries with one another.

They work at making things "go right" - the family's health, wealth,
manners, scholarship, piano lessons, responsibilities-to-humankind, the
dog's care, the church's mission, the PTAs direction, the kids' education,
their prospective jobs, behaviours, interests, protecting the family name,
honouring father and mother, dressing "right", ...you get the picture.
They are so conscientious, so kind, so vigilant. Seems impossible
for them to relax. They give so much and need so much.

But they are fun and funny. A carefree day with an ESFJ is
an enjoying experience - for they do know how to enjoy - shopping, dining
out, attending shows, fun time with friends. If not too overburdened,
ESFJs really know how to plan a cornucopia of good things to enjoy for
all who come to visit or to share the day. Life can be very,
very good with an ESFJ at the helm if they are relaxed and comfortable
with the way things are going for they are inclusive people and keep
an eye out for the "outsider", drawing them into the circle for nurturing
and caretaking. They are found inordinately caring for the elderly
and the lonely for they do not like to see someone "left out".